Punjab removes limitations on fuel conservation

The Punjab administration has eased a number of energy-saving laws throughout the state by approving the removal of fuel conservation measures and other austerity-related limitations.

Austerity measures put in place after March 10, 2026, have been lifted, according to a formal announcement made by Syed Masood Noman, Secretary of Industries, Commerce, and Investment Punjab.

Nonetheless, marketplaces and commercial centers will continue to operate throughout the same hours.

The updated guideline permits wedding halls and marquees to stay open until 10:00 p.m., while stores, bazaars, and shopping centers will still close at 9:00 p.m.

Takeaway and home delivery services are exempt from the 11:00 p.m. closure of restaurants, cafés and food establishments.

There will be no time restrictions on the operations of pharmacies, hospitals, labs, and medical stores. In a similar vein, operational limits have not applied to gas stations, CNG facilities or electric vehicle charging stations.

Information technology firms and contact centers have also been exempted from closing-hour restrictions, according to the announcement, which also contains other industry-specific information.